Shepton Mallet Prison offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its historic Victorian facilities. For just £15 per person, they can embark on a self-guided tour, using a map and guide to navigate the site at their own pace. Along the way, interactive exhibits and information boards shed light on the harsh realities of prison life in the past. With a chance to take ‘cell-fies’ and get a glimpse into the execution room, this tour promises an engaging and educational experience. What secrets might these walls still hold?
Good To Know
- Self-guided tour of the 400-year-old decommissioned Shepton Mallet Prison, offering an engaging exploration of the facility’s architectural features and inmate stories.
- Visitors receive a guide and map, allowing them to discover significant sites like the renovated kitchens, execution room, and Treadwheel building at their own pace.
- The tour provides historical insights into the harsh realities of Victorian-era prison life, including hard labor, disease, and the evolution of the penal system.
- Online booking is recommended for securing spots and potential discounts, with multiple starting times available for visitor convenience.
- The on-site café and gift shop enhance the overall visitor experience by offering refreshments and the opportunity to take home souvenirs.
Tour Overview
A self-guided tour of the Shepton Mallet Prison, a decommissioned Victorian prison over 400 years old, allows visitors to explore the facility at their own pace.
For £15 per person, guests can enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is valid for one day, with multiple start times available to accommodate different schedules.
Visitors will receive a visitor guide and map to navigate the historic site and enjoy its rich history.
Whether you’re interested in the prison’s architectural features or the stories of its past inmates, this self-guided tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
Loving the local insights? Here are more guided experiences we recommend in Shepton Mallet
Experience Highlights
Shepton Mallet Prison: Self-Guided Tour
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore the prison at their own pace with a visitor guide and map, which provide interactive sound boxes and information boards to offer historical context throughout the experience.
Guests can capture memorable ‘cell-fies’ in various locations.
The tour includes significant sites like the renovated kitchens, the execution room, and the Treadwheel building, which shed light on the harsh realities of Victorian-era hard labor and the diseases that plagued the prison infirmary.
Visitors can also discover remnants of the original 1600s prison, including the Old Gate Lodge and Governor’s office, as well as the graves of executed men and sites of military firing squad executions.
Historical Insights
The tour provides visitors with a glimpse into the harsh realities of Victorian-era prison life, where hard labor and disease were routine occurrences within the infirmary.
Guests can learn about the grim conditions endured by prisoners, including the graves of seven executed men and the sites of military firing squad executions.
Visitors will also discover features from the original 1600s prison, such as the Old Gate Lodge and Governor’s office, offering a unique historical perspective on the evolution of the penal system.
Throughout the tour, interactive exhibits and information boards shed light on the daily struggles and punishments experienced by the incarcerated, providing a somber yet educational insight into this chapter of Shepton Mallet’s past.
Visitor Information
Visitors can reserve their spot for the self-guided tour and pay later to secure their preferred time. Online bookings are recommended for discounts on the tour experience. The meeting point for the tour is the Visitor Centre at Frithfield Ln, Shepton Mallet BA4 5FQ.
Once at the prison, guests can explore the facility at their own pace, aided by a visitor guide and map. The on-site café offers barista-style hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the day. The gift shop features a variety of Shepton Mallet Prison memorabilia and local history displays, providing the perfect souvenir.
| Amenity | Available |
|---|---|
| Self-guided Tour | ✓ |
| Visitor Centre | ✓ |
| On-site Café | ✓ |
| Gift Shop | ✓ |
Pricing and Cancellation
The self-guided tour of Shepton Mallet Prison costs £15.00 per person. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is valid for 1 day, with multiple starting times available to accommodate visitors’ schedules.
Some key details about the pricing and cancellation policy:
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The tour is priced at £15.00 per person.
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Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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The tour is valid for 1 day, giving visitors flexibility in their schedule.
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Online bookings are recommended to take advantage of any discounts on the self-guided tours.
Amenities and Facilities
An on-site café at Shepton Mallet Prison offers barista-style hot and cold drinks, with snacks available throughout the day.
Plus, a gift shop provides visitors with a variety of Shepton Mallet Prison memorabilia and local history displays.
The café is the perfect spot to refuel and recharge after exploring the historic Victorian prison. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing beverage or a quick bite while reflecting on the insights they’ve gained from the self-guided tour.
The gift shop allows guests to take a piece of Shepton Mallet Prison’s rich history home with them, offering a range of souvenirs and educational resources about the site’s fascinating past.
Booking and Meeting Point
Visitors can reserve their spot for the self-guided tour of Shepton Mallet Prison by booking online, which provides discounts compared to on-site purchases.
The meeting point for the tour is the Visitor Centre located at Frithfield Ln, Shepton Mallet BA4 5FQ.
Once there, participants can:
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Check in at the Visitor Centre for their tour materials.
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Explore the on-site gift shop’s selection of Shepton Mallet Prison memorabilia and local history displays.
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Grab a bite to eat or a beverage at the café before embarking on the self-guided tour.
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Arrive at their desired starting time, as multiple options are available throughout the day.
Getting There
Conveniently located in the heart of Somerset, Shepton Mallet Prison can be easily reached by both car and public transportation.
Those driving can find the prison’s visitor centre at the address Frithfield Ln, Shepton Mallet BA4 5FQ. Free parking is available on-site.
For those without a car, the nearest train station is Castle Cary, about a 25-minute drive away. Buses also run regularly to the town center, which is just a short walk from the prison entrance.
Whether you’re coming from near or far, getting to this fascinating historical site couldn’t be simpler.
Plan your visit today and discover the secrets of Shepton Mallet Prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video recording are generally permitted during self-guided tours, allowing visitors to capture their experience. However, it’s recommended to check any specific rules or restrictions at the attraction before the visit.
Are There Any Ghost Sightings or Paranormal Activities Reported at the Prison?
There have been numerous reported ghost sightings and paranormal activities at the prison over the years. Visitors have claimed to witness apparitions, hear unexplained noises, and feel unsettling presences throughout the historic site.
Is the Prison Accessible for Visitors With Disabilities?
The prison offers accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair access is available throughout the site, and the visitor guide provides information on navigating the facilities. Visitors are encouraged to inquire about specific accommodations when booking their tour.
Can Visitors Explore the Prison at Night or After Regular Hours?
No, visitors cannot explore the prison at night or after regular hours. The self-guided tour operates during normal business hours only. After-hours access is not available for this decommissioned Victorian prison’s tours.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Requirements for Children?
The self-guided tour welcomes visitors of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. There are no special requirements for children, who can explore the prison at their own pace with the provided visitor guide and map.
Sum Up
The Shepton Mallet Prison self-guided tour offers a unique glimpse into Victorian prison life.
Visitors can explore the historic facility at their own pace, discovering interactive displays and opportunities for ‘cell-fies.’
With educational insights into the harsh realities of the past, this tour provides an engaging and informative experience for just £15 per person.
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